As my review below from 2009 shows I was less than enamoured with the old Nelson Retreat pub, and it wasn’t just because of the Arse shirts on the wall. But this is a much better pub now under the direction of the Craft Beer Co. and in keeping with the continued improvement of the Old Street area.
Well described by previous reviewers the Ale pumps, which do resemble a line of Humphrey Milk straws (one for the teenagers there ) , included three from Thornbridge including Lord Marples and Wild Holly as well as the current Champion beer Siren’s Broken Dream Stout. A good beer enjoyed in a now good pub.

Previous Review: 23rd October 2009
An unremarkable single bar pub convenient for Old Street station. Another example of a pub where the number of flat screen teles available outnumber the number of real ale handpumps.
For the record these were London Pride and Deuchars IPA on the evening of my visit and the pride was far from inspirational.
Couple of framed Ars***l shirts on the wall show where the landlords tasts lie, but even without this I could see no reason to return.
Even if you want a quick pint close to the station there are better options on the south side.

The manager of their Covent Garden outlet mentioned this new venture, so I decided to give a try. Their outlet just on the edge of Covent Garden, still holds the record for their choice of 15 cask and 30 keg. But nevertheless, this new Old Street branch had a choice of 8 cask and 25 keg. We called in here quite late on a Thursday night, so the place had quietened down a tad, so getting a seat and service at the bar was easy. We went for the house beer, which was a decent pale ale brewed by Kent Brewery. Nothing really to add descriptively apart from the unmissable red and white handpumps lined up along the front counter. The upper interior walls were painted blue and the lower sections were finished in plywood panels. I would call in again if in the area, as there is a comprehensive choice of beers.

All change from its former incarnation as the uninspiring Nelson's retreat: now painted in a penetrating red and completely stripped out and remodelled inside. Limited amount of seating, and any decor is pretty much academic since the eyes are inevitably drawn to the bar counter with an impressive run of 25 keg taps offering craft beers in a very diverse range of styles. Of course, real ale is available too, with five of eight handpumps in operation during this pre-Christmas visit (so I guess it's usually more), and I opted for the BBF Milk Stout. Outside, there is a small 'L'-shaped paved 'garden' at one end. Overall, much better.